Advanced immune cell therapies for lymphoma
SPORE in Lymphoma
This program develops genetically engineered immune cells, such as CAR T and EBV-specific T cells, to treat children and adults with Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11178333 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers at Baylor develop and test engineered immune cells (including CAR T cells and NKT or Epstein-Barr virus–specific T cells) to target multiple lymphoma antigens. Early-phase clinical trials will enroll eligible children and adults to receive these cell therapies and monitor safety, immune response, and durability of remission. Teams are also improving how cells are manufactured to boost their fitness and persistence, for example by adding a constitutive IL7 receptor or changing production methods. The program combines laboratory work and clinical testing across multiple projects to overcome tumor immune evasion and reduce treatment-related toxicity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphoma—including Epstein-Barr virus–associated cases—who meet the trial's age, health, and prior-treatment requirements may be eligible.
Not a fit: Patients with unrelated cancers, severe organ dysfunction, active uncontrolled infections, or those who do not meet trial eligibility criteria are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these therapies could produce longer remissions with fewer long-term toxic effects than current lymphoma treatments.
How similar studies have performed: CAR T-cell therapies have already produced strong responses in several B-cell lymphomas, though approaches such as NKT cell therapies, multi-antigen targeting, and constitutive IL7 receptors are newer and remain under clinical evaluation.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Heslop, Helen E — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Heslop, Helen E
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.